ASHLAND, OR--(Marketwire - April 14, 2010) - Judd Robbins did not get into computers to become an expert witness.
He has advanced degrees from UC Berkeley and the University of Michigan, has been an Information Systems manager and currently runs his own consulting and training company. However, since he began testifying as an expert witness in 1986, he has turned it into a reliable revenue stream, and he thinks anyone with an expertise in their field can do the same.
"The fact is, judges and juries aren't fond of 'professional' expert witnesses, who go from trial to trial as their primary means of support," said Robbins, author of Expert Witness Training (www.expert-witnesses.net). "But they do like working professionals who have an expertise in their fields, who maintain their day jobs, but who also know and understand the legal process."
Robbins advises professionals who want to get into the expert witness field that they need to become familiar with the three primary ways expert witnesses work with attorneys:
- Investigation -- As an expert witness, you study the technical details of materials, accidents or other events. You might run tests, create reconstructions, or research books and journals for writings on the same subject matter as your case. Your primary role in the beginning stage of an investigation is to learn the technical facts of the case and to explain to your retaining attorney the application of those facts.
- Assessment -- Attorneys will sometimes hire you to assess the technical merits of either or both side's claims. Your job is to make an objective assessment about the potential strengths or weaknesses of those claims, giving your client the ability to use that information to either prove their case or disprove their opponent's case.
- Opinions -- In some cases, you will then use the information from the assessment stage to form an opinion, and then you will be called upon to deliver that opinion in court on the witness stand or in a recorded deposition. In many more instances, however, your work will take place entirely behind the scenes as an expert who never testifies.
About Judd Robbins
Judd Robbins is a computer expert witness specializing in intellectual property cases. He also teaches expert witness training to professionals and experts across the United States.
Contact Information:
Rachel Friedman
Rachel@newsandexperts.com